McDonaldland is the name of the fictional world of characters and locations used in McDonald's branding.
The campaign presented McDonald's as an imaginative setting populated by figures such as Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Birdie, and the Hamburglar. It also used fanciful locations and objects, turning restaurant advertising into a connected fantasy world aimed especially at children and families.
McDonaldland became prominent in McDonald's advertising during the early 1970s. Its characters appeared in television commercials, promotional materials, merchandise, and restaurant experiences, giving the brand a recognizable cast rather than relying only on product advertising.
People sometimes use “McDonaldland” as a general nickname for McDonald's advertising characters, but the term specifically refers to the fictional setting and its associated campaign. Individual characters had separate identities and introduction dates within that broader world.